Hanley Ramirez Has Record Setting Month for Red Sox

(April 27, 2015 - Source: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images North America)

With Rick Porcello on the mound for the Red Sox in the rubber match against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on Wednesday, Hanley Ramirez blasted his Major League-leading 10th home run over the Green Monster, losing his helmet in the process. The home run tied Ramirez with renowned Red Sox slugger, David Ortiz, for the most homers by any Boston hitter before the month of May.

(April 28, 2015 - Source: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images North America)

“I guess you could say it’s record-setting right?” Red Sox manager John Farrell told the Boston Herald. “He’s a force in the middle of the order, [against] different types of pitchers [in] key moments. He controls the strike zone. Fun to watch.”

It's tough to say where the Red Sox would be without Ramirez, whose 10 home runs have certainly helped a pitching staff that owns a Major League-worst 5.75 ERA.

“I prepared myself good in the off-season,” Ramirez told the Herald. “All the work I put in the off-season is coming through right now. I’m feeling good right now, but the main thing is Porcello. He came out today and threw a pretty good game. And the bullpen got a rest.”

Although this is the hottest start Ramirez has ever had in his career to date, he is not satisfied until he wins his first championship ring.

“Like Pedroia says, when you’re a champ, you do whatever you want,” shared Ramirez. “I haven’t been a champ yet. So, first I want to be a champ. Then I can sit down and see what I’ve done in this game.”

The last time a Red Sox slugger started the season this hot, David Ortiz would go on to break Boston's single season home run record with his 54 long balls in 2006. Ortiz has played a big part in Ramirez's success this year, speaking at length with him before the season about getting the most out of every at-bat.

Unfortunately Ramirez will not have another chance to add to his record pace, as the Red Sox have an off-day Thursday, before continuing their home stand against the rival New York Yankees on Friday night at Fenway Park to start the month of May